Ukraine
More than 9,000 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2024 are now bringing joy to children in Ukraine!
Location:
Eastern Europe, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east
Population:
35,661,8267 with 12.3% under the age of 15 (source – CIA The World Factbook)
Flag:
We thank God for the thousands of children who have received shoeboxes here since Operation Christmas Child began outreach events. While we are not able to provide pictures or information on the specific child who received your individual shoebox, we hope you will be encouraged and inspired by the photos and stories below.
Children Receiving Shoebox Gifts in Ukraine
Aline (age 4) was forced to flee her home with her mum because of the war. When she returned to visit her dad half a year later, they were invited to a Christmas celebration. “I was very happy to get a gift box,” shared Alina, who was particularly delighted by the colouring pencils and markers that she received. “I am grateful to those who put together such a great gift box.”
This little one's favourite gift was their brand new notebook
Happy faces at an outreach event in Ukraine
These teens were delighted with the treasures they found inside their shoebox gifts
Little ones at an outreach event in Ukraine show their shoebox gifts.
Please pray for the children of Ukraine as they deal with so many changes and disruptions related to the war.
Timothy’s Shoebox Story
“I am Timothy Babkov. I am 10 years old. Not long time ago, our family received terrible news that my father died in the war. He went to protect our land on the first day of the war. My mother, two sisters, brother, and I miss him very much. One day my friend invited me to a Christian club for teenagers at a nearby church. I liked the atmosphere, and they prayed for me. Then they gave me the gift box where I found interesting things: soccer ball, stationery supplies, clothing, and many other things. I was pleased even more because it was my birthday. Only God knew that I needed such a gift. I am very thankful to Him. I continue to visit Christian meetings to find out more about Him.”
A message from one of our local partners…
“This girl’s name is Katerynka. She was hoping to get some Mickey Mouse sport shoes, but they were not sold anywhere. I handed her the gift box and asked her to open it when she gets home. Sometime later, her mother called me back and told me very emotionally about the gift, but especially about sport shoes that her daughter dreamed about. She carried them around for several days and put them near her bed when going to sleep. The Lord fulfils children’s dreams!”
The 200 Millionth Shoebox!
Elizabeth Groff, now 28 years old, will never forget receiving a shoebox gift from Samaritan’s Purse when she was living in an orphanage in Ukraine. Here is the special moment when she lovingly placed the special 200 millionth box into the hands of another young orphan girl in Ukraine.
This special shoebox contained items chosen by supporters from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Korea, and the USA, to celebrate the milestone of sending 200 million shoeboxes since Operation Christmas Child began.
What Happens After the Shoebox?
After receiving their shoebox gift, children can enrol in The Greatest Journey—12 fun and interactive Bible lessons—where they get the chance to discover who Jesus is, begin their journey of faith, and receive a New Testament in their own language. Watch the video below to see how The Greatest Journey changing lives in Mongolia.
Note: The Greatest Journey is offered free of charge, without obligation, and with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian.
Learn More About The Greatest Journey
